How to be a Good King (book)
How to Be a Good King is a book on political philosophy by Sultan Suleiman Khan, the late Sultan of Sharifistan. It provides guidance for a variety of monarchs include both absolute and constitutional monarchies.
| Author | Sultan Suleiman Khan |
|---|---|
| Original title | kayf takun malakanaan jayidaan |
| Translator | Sultan Suleiman Khan |
| Country | Sharifistan |
| Language | Arabic |
| Subject | Political theory |
| Genre | non-fiction |
| Publisher | self-published |
Ideas
He claimed that the role of a King, whether absolute or constitutional, is that of a unifier. He makes the point that whilst Presidents and Prime Ministers are normally aligned to political parties, a King is aligned simply to his country, his family and his religion. He also says that a King ultimately rules as "an instrument of the creator who is the King of Kings." It explains the duties of a King, political, ceremonial, civic, charitable and religious and also mentions education and experience that a Prince should undertake before becoming King. According to this account the heir to the throne should go to university (preferably studying a a social science, a humanities subject or a theological subject) and then do active service as a military officer before becoming King. He says Kings must give to charitable causes, educate themselves on political subjects and be a "model of piety". It then borders into ethics and self-help discussing virtues of a good King and vices they should seek to avoid. It advocates a welfare, state as well as a council of elected representatives of the people, people ennobled for their efforts and religious scholars. He also teaches that those whose ancestors are ennobled should be considered nobles unless they have "shown incompetence or misconduct whilst in their offices of nobility."
Critical reception
The book received a positive review from Holy Emperor Adam J.Vader of Dominant Oppressors who said "How to be a good King was written by Sultan Suleiman Khan of the Sultanate of Sharifistan, a long-time ally of myself and of my nation, someone who has proven time and time again to be an excellent leader for their people and one of the greatest examples of a monarch of our modern era. It is thus excellent that he has decided to put his wisdom and experience to paper, this book will serve as a valuable guide to any ruler and has helpful tips for every style of monarch, whether constitutional, absolute, popular, enlightened or otherwise! This book will no doubt prove as influential to rulers as Machiavelli's The Prince was, except with unwavering and unquestionable morals! Would highly recommend!"